Torres scarf gesture boosts Red boss

14 July 2010 09:17

Roy Hodgson feels pictures of Fernando Torres celebrating his World Cup success wearing a Liverpool scarf have given the club a lift.

The Spain striker has been the subject of constant speculation over his future throughout the summer but he showed his allegiance after Sunday's glorious triumph in Johannesburg.

The 26-year-old was one of four Liverpool players in the World Cup final squads along with Spanish team-mate Jose Reina and Holland pair Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel.

Hodgson told the club's website: "As Liverpool manager, I take great pride in the fact that two of our players can call themselves World Cup winners this summer.

"I think it's safe to say the pictures of Fernando in the dressing room with the World Cup certainly went down well with our fans but the club can be proud of all the players who went away to the World Cup.

"To have four players reach the final is an incredible achievement and I look forward to working with them when they return to Melwood after their holidays."

On Wednesday, Liverpool could learn the extent of the adductor injury which forced Torres to pull up late in extra time in the final.

Torres, who was plagued by injuries throughout last season, was due to have a scan on Tuesday having returned to Madrid with the rest of the Spain squad.

Liverpool medical staff are due to fly out this week to meet Torres, who is now beginning his summer break.

The players who have already returned for pre-season work step up their preparations on Wednesday by flying out to a training camp in Switzerland.

Liverpool have allowed youngsters Francisco Duran and Nikolay Mihaylov, who both joined three years ago, to leave after they failed to fulfil their potential.

Duran, who arrived from Malaga, showed glimpses of his talent in the reserves but struggled with injury and his contract has not been renewed.

Mihaylov was brought in from Levski Sofia but, having spent last season on loan at FC Twente, has now moved to the Dutch club permanently.